Thiruvananthapuram, 18 Dec (H.S.):The State Election Commission has announced the schedule for special elections in three local self-government wards across Kerala, where polling was postponed earlier due to the deaths of contesting candidates. The elections will now take place on January 12, 2026 (Monday), from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with counting slated for 10 a.m. on January 13.

The affected constituencies include the Payimbadam ward of Moothedam grama panchayat in Malappuram district, the Onakkoor ward of Pampakuda grama panchayat in Ernakulam, and the Vizhinjam ward under the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.

Polling in these wards had been originally scheduled for December 9 and December 11. However, the death of key candidates forced the Commission to defer voting. In Pampakuda, the election was called off following the death of Congress candidate C. S. Babu (59), who collapsed at his residence. In Moothedam, the postponement came after IUML nominee Vattath Haseena (52) — an anganwadi worker — died at her home shortly after campaigning. The election in Vizhinjam was put on hold after independent candidate Justin Francis (60) suffered fatal injuries when he was hit by an autorickshaw while canvassing.

The Commission has clarified that candidates who were already in the fray when polling was countermanded do not need to resubmit their nomination papers. However, those who had withdrawn their candidature before the cancellation will not be considered valid contenders and will have to file fresh papers should they wish to contest again. The deadline for filing nominations is December 24, and scrutiny has been scheduled for December 26. The final date for withdrawal of nominations is December 29.

Post-election procedures have also been outlined. Candidates are required to submit their election expenditure statements to the secretaries of their respective local bodies by February 12, 2026.

In terms of enforcement, the Model Code of Conduct will apply across the entire Moothedam and Pampakuda grama panchayats. However, in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the code’s jurisdiction will be restricted solely to the Vizhinjam ward.

The special elections are expected to draw significant attention given the tragic circumstances leading to the postponement and the renewed contest now set to take place in January, offering voters another chance to elect their local representatives.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman